In a strong display of solidarity and protest, the Turkish Cypriot Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOEÖS) and the Turkish Cypriot Teachers’ Union (KTÖS) organized a demonstration in Ortaköy, Nicosia to oppose the new Disciplinary Regulation and support those detained during the May 3 protests.
The demonstration attracted union officials, members, representatives of various organizations, and political party members supporting the fight to revoke the regulation.
KTOEÖS President Selma Eylem recalled that on May 3, her colleagues who displayed a banner were detained after police intervention. She emphasized that the right to peaceful protest, free thought, and expression are constitutional rights. “Ignoring the constitution and laws is fascism; this cannot be accepted,” she declared.
Eylem condemned the corruption and illegality that, she claimed, have been protected by the current regime. “The theft, looting, and bribery system created on the island are being upheld by fascism,” she stated. Highlighting the economic struggles faced by the public, she pointed out that children are attending school in shipping containers, while some politicians and elites continue to live luxuriously. “These privileged circles are protected from justice despite accusations of fraud and fake diplomas,” she added.
Burak Maviş underscored that the Turkish Cypriot community has no interest in serving anyone’s interests apart from their own. “Our environment is filled with flowers of secularism, tolerance, Atatürk’s principles, and human rights,” he said. Maviş also criticized some Turkish media outlets in Turkey, covering the community, accusing them of spreading misinformation and provoking division.
He criticised the political use of last week’s police crackdown, stating, “The government misused police authority to suppress our protests, but I believe the judiciary will hold those responsible accountable.” Maviş condemned the statements made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, calling them an abuse of hospitality and expressing concern over the increased politicized pressure.
Güven Bengihan, Secretary General of KTAMS, condemned the police intervention against demonstrators exercising their constitutionally recognized freedoms. “We are here today to support those detained during the May 3 protests. They only held a banner reading ‘Our Will is Ours,’ a natural message,” he said. Bengihan emphasised the importance of standing firm against repression, promising to continue their resistance.
Legal expert Tacan Reynar, also detained during the protests, spoke about his legal battle, denouncing the police’s actions as violations of constitutional rights. “The events reflect a shocking disregard for human rights, justice, and law,” he said, vowing to pursue legal action against officers and officials he claims have acted unlawfully.
Halil Karapaşaoğlu, another protester detained that day, highlighted the systemic oppression faced by Turkish Cypriots since 1985. “We are subjected to systematic repression, and our freedom of thought is targeted,” he said, describing Turkey’s policies as a “colonization project” aimed at diminishing the community’s presence and influence. He called on the community to resist and speak out, urging everyone to think critically and raise their voices.
